7-Eleven has taken significant steps to engage the youth through its Creative AI Club Hackathon, known as the third edition of this innovative competition held by CP ALL, the parent company of 7-Eleven. The event aimed to empower high school students and first-year university students to develop artificial intelligence (AI) solutions for improving customers' experiences at 7-Eleven.
According to Puy Sasitpongpairoj, CP ALL's assistant managing director of the creative AI department, the initiative is part of the company's commitment to developing talent. He emphasized the goal was to give youth opportunities to showcase their skills continuously. This year's creative competition theme, "What is the 7-Eleven of your dreams? Create your dream 7-Eleven with the power of AI," encouraged participants to explore innovative uses of AI.
The hackathon comprised three days filled with workshops and mentorship, culminating in a 24-hour ideation session where teams crafted their projects. Despite initially receiving over 400 applications, only 40 teams made it to the final competition. Participants benefited from insights shared by business unit teams from 7-Eleven, gaining knowledge about existing AI features the company utilizes.
Puy also mentioned, "Technology today has become common. Many young Thais are experiencing AI more, so we opened opportunities for them to showcase their creativity." This sentiment is echoed through the expressions of various participants, who found shared experiences and developed life-changing projects during the event.
The excitement surrounding the event was palpable, with many students eager to engage. One notable project came from Team Meow, which won the first place with their innovative "PathVision" idea. Utilizing AI-driven cameras, this solution aims to analyze customers' shopping behaviors anonymously within 7-Eleven stores, enhancing customer service and store efficiency.
Worachit Weeraksa, leader of Team Meow, shared insights about the development process of their project. He stated, "Our project started from the Pain Point foundation; AI can assist customer behavior analysis effectively." This statement reflects the practical approach envisioned by the youths participating—an approach based on solving real-world problems.
Aside from their technical applications, participants also expressed the hackathon's role in networking and skill development. Many mentioned forming new relationships and learning to work under pressure—a valuable experience for their future careers.
Other notable projects included Team 7-Twelve, which garnered first runner-up honors with their "7-OTP" project, utilizing POS data from 7-Eleven and employing AI to optimize workforce allocation. Teams had creatively approached the task of integrating AI within existing business frameworks.
The competition didn't solely aim at immediate practical outcomes; rather, it served as foundational training for future tech leaders. Participants like Worachit aimed higher, stating, "If I have the opportunity, I’d love to see this project launched, as it can be applied beyond just 7-Eleven." Such aspirations highlight the ambitions the hackathon has stoked within the youth.
CP ALL’s wider commitment to AI education includes various platforms such as the Creative AI Camp, aimed at building skills among high school and university students. These initiatives not only provide networking opportunities and collaborative learning but also aim to prepare the youth for future technological challenges—in alignment with global trends.
Through events like the Creative AI Club Hackathon, youths are not just spectators of technological change but active participants crafting solutions catered to modern consumer behavior. With continued support and exposure, these young innovators are set to pave their career paths, significantly contributing to the tech-led future.
It remains intriguing to see how projects from such hackathons develop and potentially influence major brands such as 7-Eleven. With its comprehensive support structure, including internships and future employment opportunities for the winners, the company's strategy is clear: investing in the youth secures not just innovation but also the future of the business.
Overall, the hackathon stands as evidence of the importance of AI education and youth empowerment, providing participants with the tools they need to navigate and thrive within the digital age.